April 25, 1943 - January 1, 2022
In Loving Memory -
It is with heavy hearts, we regretfully wish to announce the passing of Darlene Van Es. Darlene passed peacefully with her family by her side.
She is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 61 wonderful years, her three children; Karin (Rick), Shane (Lianne), and Michele (Dave); seven grandchildren; Rayel, Courtney, Darren, Carrie, Chris, Ashley and Bryan; and great-grandchildren; (Ben), Max, Everlee, Gemma, and Brayden; as well as her younger brother Byron Tisdale.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Moody Siddons, Helen and Herb Tisdale, her younger brother, Lanny, and her son in-law, Alvin.
Darlene was born April 25th, 1943 in Toronto, ON before moving to Vancouver where she was raised. There she met the love of her life, Bill Van Es, whom she married in 1960, and they started a family shortly after.
They moved to Williams Lake in 1963, when Bill told Darlene he wanted to be a cowboy. Darlene being the adventurous and supportive woman she was, agreed to this new way of life in the Cariboo/Chilcotin.
Having had a few homes through the years in Williams Lake, they found a place on Douglas Road that they were able to call home. With a love for gardening, she was able to build a beautiful vegetable garden that she was so proud of and had a fun mix of animals which filled her life.
Their next adventure would take them to Anahim Lake, BC, where they purchased Escott Bay Resort in 1982. Bill and Darlene worked tirelessly to turn their dreams into a reality by building a beautiful log lodge and establishing a successful and thriving wilderness resort.
Despite the demands of running a business, Darlene always tried to spend time doing the things she loved which included painting, beading, photography, road trips to see family and attending concerts with her girlfriends.
Anyone who knew Darlene knew she had a zest for life and loved spending time with her friends and family. Her positivity, sense of humour and wit always made her a joy to be around, which she carried with her into her final days. She will be greatly missed and remembered by her family and wonderful friends.
Forever in our hearts. Rest easy, Mom.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.